Trial date set for man accused in armed standoff

JACKSON, Mo. -- A bench trial has been set for a man police say held his family hostage during a tense, armed standoff.

Cleties Allen Ford, 39, of Cape Girardeau goes to trial May 16 before Judge John Grimm.

He's charged with three counts of false imprisonment and one count each of unlawful use of a weapon and domestic assault.

The charges stem from an incident that police describe as a hostage situation and that Ford's family describes as a cry for help.

On March 6, police were called to Ford's home at 1825 Dumais Drive and told that an armed man inside the house was holding his family hostage and was threatening to kill himself and others.

When officers arrived, Ford, carrying a handgun and a 12-pack of beer, stepped out the front door and was confronted by police who ordered him to surrender.

He dropped his gun and tried to go back inside, but the door was locked.

Patrolman Daniel "Ty" Metzger fired his shotgun at Ford as Ford forced his way back inside. Family members say Ford's son Chris was standing near the doorway and narrowly missed being shot.

Police chased Ford into the house and learned he had a second gun. He surrendered, and no one was injured in the incident. Ford is free on bond.